Jack Easterby and Bill O’Brien were two peas in a pod.
When Houston Texans chairman and CEO Cal McNair decided to double up O’Brien as coach and general manager following the 2019 season, Easterby similarly was promoted from executive vice president of team development to executive vice president of football operations.
On Oct. 5, 2020, O’Brien was fired after an 0-4 start. However, not only did Easterby stick around, but he took over as the interim general manager.
“That wasn’t something Jack pushed for or wanted,” McNair told reporters on Jan. 8. “It was something I needed, and, so, I’m really grateful that he did that. He took a lot of heat for it. He did.”
Easterby took over in what McNair said were “administrative type tasks.” Although Easterby was a name to fill in for contacts sent to the league offices, the Texans did listen to offers to trade outside linebacker Jacob Martin and receiver Will Fuller. The Texans also traded defensive takle Eli Ankou to the Dallas Cowboys.
With Nick Caserio hired as general manager, McNair indicated Easterby would stick around with the Texans.
“Jack was there for a few months, did the job he was asked, and now he’s ready to step back into some of his earlier roles,” said McNair. “Nick will step in here, be the GM. Nick has got the roster, the draft, the free agency. Nick will be supported by me. I will do everything I can to help Nick succeed. I want Nick to succeed here.
“Jack will do whatever Nick asks him to do to succeed. So we’ll all work together like I had mentioned, being collaborative, cooperative, and get this thing going exactly where we want it.”
Easterby’s original role before the firing of O’Brien was as executive vice president of football operations. Even reverting back to that role indicates he will have input on the roster, even if the buck stops with Caserio.
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